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Something horrible happened to me tonight...

I don't know whether I should call it horrible or terrifying, to be honest. Today at 1:45 AM someone has tried to enter my apartment - I live in a ground floor, and all my windows and my door are literally facing the garden. I've heard someone (I've been able to distinguish three voices), talking very excitedly and, soon after, they were literally pounding on my door and opening the mail slot to see if there was any activity inside. Whomever it was, they wanted to gain access to my apartment or else, they were high on something and pretty violent. Something that surprises me is that my motorcycle is parked outside, and they haven't touched it... Which makes the entire situation weirder and scarier - this was not a burglary, but someone who came here with a malicious intent. I just don't know what they wanted.

The thing that shocks me the most is how laissez faire the police have been, to be honest. I have told the emergency operator that they were pounding on the door and the walls as we spoke (the noise was loud enough for her to hear it), and they were talking and moving around in the garden as I was speaking to her; her answer has been "have you looked outside to see who it is?". Well, of course not! These people are fucking crazy! They have said that they would send someone, but after 10 minutes of this I have had to call again, because no one had come - the operator's answer has been basically, wait until we can come and stop being a nuisance. Cheers mate! Those people whomever they were, have been outside for a good 15 to 20 minutes. By the time the police have given me a paltry phone call 50 minutes later to tell me that they'd surveyed the area and they were long gone, obviously no one was there. Thanks for your efficiency! I couldn't have worked it out myself even if I'd tried with all my might.

So, a group of violent people could try to gain access to my apartment during the night yet again, and the police don't give a shit. I have to wake up very early every day, and I am terrified of what might happen if they decide to come at 4 o'clock instead of 1:45 AM the next time, if there is one (and I am praying to God there isn't because that was fucking scary). So, what am I supposed to do, end up in hospital fighting for my life or dead for them to decide that this is a fucking emergency?!?!!!

Also, the thing that surprises me is that there wasn't any response whatsoever from my neighbours - were they too scared to turn the lights on? Are they catatonic? Those individuals were making A LOT of noise! They were pounding on the door and walls, for Christ's sake! What the hell is wrong with people? Would they have reacted at all if someone had entered my apartment and decided to murder me? This is unbelievable...

Well, I don't know what to do. I feel like shit at the moment - it's 3:18 AM and I have to go soon, so wish me luck.

Re: Something horrible happened to me tonight...

The police sound like idiots. Contact the landlord right away. Your time stamp indicates you are in Europe? If the police won't take action then who knows. Likely it will not happen again anyway.
You have my empathy ...I have lived in apartments a long time and faced all kinds of situations.

But if someone truly wanted into your place they would force their way in by kicking the door in. The pounding sounds like more of a general nuisance though frightening ....if it continues then call the police again.

Re: Something horrible happened to me tonight...

OMG, I am so sorry that happened to you. You must be terrified. With someone trying to break into your apartment I would think the police should have come right away. Most police departments have some kind of community officer to handle complaints. When things calm down I think I'd try to file some kind of complaint with them or go to your local alderman (or whatever government representative you have). Where do you live by the way (country I mean)? Could you understand anything these people were saying?

Re: Something horrible happened to me tonight...

Did you move into this apartment recently? It's possible they were looking for the previous tenant. If they really wanted to hurt you they would have broken through the window. That was a scary episode but besides buying a gun all you can do is call the police if it happens again. Good luck dude!

Re: Something horrible happened to me tonight...

I'd be terrified too...but the fact that they were making noises obviously trying to attract attention I don't think that they intended to harm you (I could be wrong). I would have probably turned on all the lights and played on a very loud music to attract the attention of neighbours. That would be like my alarm system that goes off when someone is trying to break in. You did the right thing by calling the police and not opening the door to check out who's out there for safety reasons. I think the police was just being lazy driving around quickly to check out the area and left when they found nothing...but I think you should still complain to bring to their attention that they have failed to come to your home to check on you.

Re: Something horrible happened to me tonight...

If it happens again, consider telling the operator you think some shots were fired. Making a false report is probably a crime, but who can say you did not believe you heard shots? If you are not getting help from 911, ask to speak to her supervisor or the desk sargent--I have done it and it works.
Your neighbors probably are blaming you for all the racket at your place. By all means, tell them what happened and get to know them a little.
Buy some mace or pepper spray, if you don't want a gun. I keep a 12 gauge shotgun in my closet. You will sleep better if you have something.
My guess is that they were drunk or high on something, and did not mean you harm, but were at the wrong place, knocking on the wrong door. Take some comfort that they were not able to get in easily.

Re: Something horrible happened to me tonight...

Turn on lights and start making noise, let them know there IS someone inside and let them know you're ready to defend yourself and home and that you've called the police. (not that it apparently helps where you live.....)

I had the same thing happen at my last apt one night. I turned on the lights, told them to identify themselves, which they did not do. I called the cops and went to the door and yelled through the door that if they kept it up I was going to give them to the count of ten, and I would start shooting through the door. That worked. They left. No peephole and I couldn't see who they were. And yes, I do have a firearm for self-defense. Two, as a matter of fact. And yes, I had one of them with me and yes I was going to start shooting. It never happened again.

First, get to know your neighbors and call them immediately if it happens again. And screw the operator - keep calling for help if you need help! And you can do as others say, don't just tell the police you hear people outside - tell them someone is in your home, or tell them you heard them make threats of violence. How are they going to prove what you heard? They're not there to witness, right?

But more than anything, get a gun, a metal baseball bat, a can of wasp spray, pepper spray, mace, a dog.... something. You never know what freakin crazies are going to do in this world and you need to make sure when it comes to a case of you vs. them, that YOU are the winner every time.

And you need to tell your neighbors anyway, let them be aware of what took place. And leave lights on outside if you have any.

Last thing - I would go to the local police station or precinct or whatever you have, wherever the cops who are "protecting" you are dispatched from, and I would set up an immediate time to meet with a liaison officer, the captain or chief or whoever. You have a right as a citizen to be heard, and you need to let someone in charge know, in person, that you are NOT happy or satisfied with their response or response time. Don't be afraid of them, they're job is to serve YOU. Make them do their job.

Re: Something horrible happened to me tonight...

I'd be on the phone to the commander of the police precinct ASAP. If you don't get any satisfaction from him/her I'd be on the phone to their boss. I'd raise holy hell with them. I wouldn't arm myself with a guy but I'd get some mace and a good sturdy baseball bat....

Re: Something horrible happened to me tonight...

Originally Posted by FPNY

I'd be on the phone to the commander of the police precinct ASAP. If you don't get any satisfaction from him/her I'd be on the phone to their boss. I'd raise holy hell with them. I wouldn't arm myself with a guy but I'd get some mace and a good sturdy baseball bat....

Re: Something horrible happened to me tonight...

Originally Posted by voyager1994

I'd be terrified too...but the fact that they were making noises obviously trying to attract attention I don't think that they intended to harm you (I could be wrong). I would have probably turned on all the lights and played on a very loud music to attract the attention of neighbours. That would be like my alarm system that goes off when someone is trying to break in. You did the right thing by calling the police and not opening the door to check out who's out there for safety reasons. I think the police was just being lazy driving around quickly to check out the area and left when they found nothing...but I think you should still complain to bring to their attention that they have failed to come to your home to check on you.

Turns out you are right. This was all a huge misunderstanding, albeit a very scary one. I live in a very old property that hasn't been given any real maintenance for years - the upstairs neighbours have been complaining to the landlord about dry rot in their windows, but they had been ignored. Well, apparently, tonight two of their windows have literally started falling to pieces, and the wood was landing on my patio - that's why they were all agitated in the middle of the night. I have spoken to them this morning, and I must admit that I have been shocked by their stupidity at the time - instead of doing something logical, such as knocking on the door once or twice before identifying themselves and saying something like "Hello, we are your upstairs neighbours and there's a hazard outside, because there's dry rot in our windows and they are literally falling to pieces on your patio and on top of your motorcycle. Be careful, because sheets of glass could literally come crashing down on you", they have started knocking on my door, opening my mail slot and pounding on the walls hoping to wake me up and warn me about what was happening - scaring the shit out of me in the process. Brilliant... Fucking brilliant! The landlord has had to send someone to change all the windows in the upper flats, and that's what they're doing right now.

This was a crazy situation, but I can only say that I am immensely grateful for the fact that it was just a misunderstanding. I must admit that, before talking to my neighbours, the idea of spending another night in my flat was almost unbearable. Anyway, I am having a security light with a PIR sensor installed today. If someone comes anywhere near my apartment, at least they will be visible - not to mention that this might alert the rest of the neighbours, who apparently are fucking deaf and have told me that they didn't hear any heavy pounding.

I am also making a complaint with the Professional Standards Dept. at the Hampshire Constabulary - the fact that they have ignored me is truly terrifying, because this could have been a very serious matter. I have just been lucky.

Originally Posted by MattClaimer

Turn on lights and start making noise, let them know there IS someone inside and let them know you're ready to defend yourself and home and that you've called the police. (not that it apparently helps where you live.....)

I had the same thing happen at my last apt one night. I turned on the lights, told them to identify themselves, which they did not do. I called the cops and went to the door and yelled through the door that if they kept it up I was going to give them to the count of ten, and I would start shooting through the door. That worked. They left. No peephole and I couldn't see who they were. And yes, I do have a firearm for self-defense. Two, as a matter of fact. And yes, I had one of them with me and yes I was going to start shooting. It never happened again.

First, get to know your neighbors and call them immediately if it happens again. And screw the operator - keep calling for help if you need help! And you can do as others say, don't just tell the police you hear people outside - tell them someone is in your home, or tell them you heard them make threats of violence. How are they going to prove what you heard? They're not there to witness, right?

But more than anything, get a gun, a metal baseball bat, a can of wasp spray, pepper spray, mace, a dog.... something. You never know what freakin crazies are going to do in this world and you need to make sure when it comes to a case of you vs. them, that YOU are the winner every time.

And you need to tell your neighbors anyway, let them be aware of what took place. And leave lights on outside if you have any.

Last thing - I would go to the local police station or precinct or whatever you have, wherever the cops who are "protecting" you are dispatched from, and I would set up an immediate time to meet with a liaison officer, the captain or chief or whoever. You have a right as a citizen to be heard, and you need to let someone in charge know, in person, that you are NOT happy or satisfied with their response or response time. Don't be afraid of them, they're job is to serve YOU. Make them do their job.

I am sorry that your situation was so extreme - when the neighbours were outside my door, they didn't want to do any harm to me and yet, they managed to make me crawl out of my skin. I can only imagine how horrible it must be when someone actually dangerous tries to enter your property. To be honest, I wouldn't have been brave enough to go anywhere near the door, let alone make myself visible or threaten the intruders outside - especially because the emergency services operator has told me not to switch the lights on, just in case whomever was outside turned even more violent if they saw that there was someone inside.

As for getting a gun of any type, this is impossible in the UK - gun access is incredibly restricted. Also, using pepper spray can be quite tricky - if someone tries to harm you and, while defending yourself, you injure them in any way, you can actually end up with a police caution or even a criminal record. So its better to tread lightly regarding these matters.

Anyway, I want to thank you all again for your kind words... I am incredibly happy that this wasn't anything truly dangerous, even though it has been incredibly stressful.

Re: Something horrible happened to me tonight...

Originally Posted by Adrusek81

I am sorry that your situation was so extreme - when the neighbours were outside my door, they didn't want to do any harm to me and yet, they managed to make me crawl out of my skin. I can only imagine how horrible it must be when someone actually dangerous tries to enter your property. To be honest, I wouldn't have been brave enough to go anywhere near the door, let alone make myself visible or threaten the intruders outside - especially because the emergency services operator has told me not to switch the lights on, just in case whomever was outside turned even more violent if they saw that there was someone inside.

As for getting a gun of any type, this is impossible in the UK - gun access is incredibly restricted. Also, using pepper spray can be quite tricky - if someone tries to harm you and, while defending yourself, you injure them in any way, you can actually end up with a police caution or even a criminal record. So its better to tread lightly regarding these matters.

Anyway, I want to thank you all again for your kind words... I am incredibly happy that this wasn't anything truly dangerous, even though it has been incredibly stressful.

When that happened I was living an an area that was once a really bad area to live in, but was in the midst of being cleaned up, gentrified, etc. There had, at that time, been several violent episodes within just a few doors from where I lived. I was afraid that this person, or persons, had ill intent and were maybe drugged out, etc. It was definitely random and they weren't after me in particular. Either they had a wrong house, or they were up to no good. Don't know. I wasn't taking a chance either way.

The reason I responded and turned on lights and made threats and let them know I was there and ready to defend myself, is because it's a known fact that bad guys will bang on a door or ring bells, and if nobody answers, they take it no one is there and then kick the door down or come in through a window and rob, etc.

I am glad that you have the peace of mind that it wasn't a crazy person or zombies trying to get into your place. You'll sleep better for sure. And hey, you learned some things here that might help you in the future, should you ever have to resort to them in a similar situation. Which I hope is not the case, ever.

Had a feeling you were in the UK. Pretty scary if you do have to defend yourself over there, you can become the bad guy in a hurry. Definitely follow through on letting the proper authorities know how miserably they failed in responding to your call. Don't let that fall through the cracks. Be a pain in their asses until you know they've got the message.

Re: Something horrible happened to me tonight...

Originally Posted by Hard-up1

A footnote: meet your neighbors. Get their names and phone numbers. Give them yours. You live next door to them. The safest neighborhood is one in which you act like neighbors. Looking out for one another is a part of that. The next time it may happen to one of them, and you could be the one to call them to check on them.

Re: Something horrible happened to me tonight...

That is horrible.

The police were negligent for sure. When I was younger, my family and I lived in a bad neighborhood. One morning, we woke up to gunshots and screams coming from nextdoor, which was an abandoned building.

Mind you, this was a row house, so a bullet could have easily went right through the wall and hit one of us. We called the police. They took their time and when they did arrive, they circled the block but never bothered to stop. That was it.

Thats when I learned that a lot of police officers really dont care, especially if you live in a bad neighborhood.

I think that the people were just trying to mess with you. They were probably drunk and just wanted to scare the living daylights out of someone. Continue to call the police if it keeps happening. There are some good cops out there. Getting to know your neighbors is a good idea.

Re: Something horrible happened to me tonight...

Originally Posted by MissAnne

Thats when I learned that a lot of police officers really dont care, especially if you live in a bad neighborhood.

I think in a lot of cities now with the bad economy most police are just revenue collectors for the city. They'll sit in a speed trap and ticket a hefty fine on a speeder with a nice car, but actually show up where there's a real crime going on - with guns??

Re: Something horrible happened to me tonight...

Originally Posted by borg69unimatrix

I think in a lot of cities now with the bad economy most police are just revenue collectors for the city. They'll sit in a speed trap and ticket a hefty fine on a speeder with a nice car, but actually show up where there's a real crime going on - with guns??

Re: Something horrible happened to me tonight...

Originally Posted by Adrusek81

Turns out you are right. This was all a huge misunderstanding, albeit a very scary one. I live in a very old property that hasn't been given any real maintenance for years - the upstairs neighbours have been complaining to the landlord about dry rot in their windows, but they had been ignored. Well, apparently, tonight two of their windows have literally started falling to pieces, and the wood was landing on my patio - that's why they were all agitated in the middle of the night. I have spoken to them this morning, and I must admit that I have been shocked by their stupidity at the time - instead of doing something logical, such as knocking on the door once or twice before identifying themselves and saying something like "Hello, we are your upstairs neighbours and there's a hazard outside, because there's dry rot in our windows and they are literally falling to pieces on your patio and on top of your motorcycle. Be careful, because sheets of glass could literally come crashing down on you", they have started knocking on my door, opening my mail slot and pounding on the walls hoping to wake me up and warn me about what was happening - scaring the shit out of me in the process. Brilliant... Fucking brilliant! The landlord has had to send someone to change all the windows in the upper flats, and that's what they're doing right now.

.

Seems that you have very stupid neighbors, it seems that knocking on the wall with dryrot present would be stupid. They could have done a few other things, knocked, left a note on your door so you see it while leaving, slip it in the mail slot of your door, or called a super or landlord to contact you by phone and let you know about the problem. Glad you are okay.

Re: Something horrible happened to me tonight...

Sounds like someone will be converting into a Conservative on defense issues. My friends in law enforcement laugh at people who think cops will always get there within 2 minutes to "rescue them" from all dangerous situations. Legally, police departments are not required to provide expedient services to individuals, this has been backed by Supreme Court rulings. If you are murdered during a burglary, your family would lose a lawsuit against a police department for now getting there on time. That's why people, especially in suburbs and small towns, "cling to their guns." Some small Sheriff departments have even warned people not to expect 911 help. Many departments are cutting budgets for years now.

Re: Something horrible happened to me tonight...

Originally Posted by Adrusek81

As for getting a gun of any type, this is impossible in the UK - gun access is incredibly restricted. Also, using pepper spray can be quite tricky - if someone tries to harm you and, while defending yourself, you injure them in any way, you can actually end up with a police caution or even a criminal record. So its better to tread lightly regarding these matters.

This is exactly why there are so many Americans unwilling to give even the slightest compromise on guns. First they ban assault rifles, then they want grandpa's old .38. Then they come for your knives, pepper spray, and stun guns....

I think it's really sad that the there is as much crime as there is in the UK, and you really have no appropriate way to protect yourself.

Re: Something horrible happened to me tonight...

But if he had a gun and shot, realizing later it was only his neighbors, would the situation had improved ?? I don't think so. When you own a gun the probability you harm someone you know is much greater than an unknown one.

Re: Something horrible happened to me tonight...

Originally Posted by oakpope

But if he had a gun and shot, realizing later it was only his neighbors, would the situation had improved ??

When you own a firearm you also need to be trained and practiced in how to use it so that you do not do stupid things like that. You don't just start shooting and hope you hit a bad guy. If your neighbor breaks the door down, then yes, shoot away.

Originally Posted by oakpope

When you own a gun the probability you harm someone you know is much greater than an unknown one.

Re: Something horrible happened to me tonight...

Originally Posted by oakpope

But if he had a gun and shot, realizing later it was only his neighbors, would the situation had improved ?? I don't think so. When you own a gun the probability you harm someone you know is much greater than an unknown one.

Not attacking your or yelling at you at all here, or anything like that -- But nobody was implying that he just start shooting randomly through the doors or walls at people he had not identified, without FIRST assessing the situation and then identifying a threat.

And herein lies the problem with people, such as yourself, who don't understand guns, the use of guns or the principles and factors of how and WHEN to use a gun.

The suggest recommendations where that, for future situations, should they ever arise, he might want to consider the option. Since he lives in the UK, it's not an option, so the point is quite moot now.

Deciding to use a gun or even threaten to use a gun should ALWAYS be the last resort a person takes in any situation where they feel threatened or in danger. A responsible and smart gun owner knows this. Don't use it unless you have to, and you have to, do not be afraid TO.

Things to know though - A responsible gun owner not only acquires a permit/license to own a weapon and carry it, but they also go to an appropriate schooling agency and learn gun safety and gun use. They also practice using their guns on a controlled range, either indoor or outdoor or both, on a regular basis. They are then up to date, aware and ably prepared to handle their gun and to know WHEN to use it, should they ever have to.

A lot of anti-gun people would like to believe that everyone who wants a gun or already owns a gun just want to go around wielding their firearm and saying "Oh look out or I'm gonna shoot ya!" and well, sorry, but no, that is not the case. The VAST majority of gun owners are VERY responsible, sane, level-headed, stable and intelligent people who simply want to have a level playing field when it comes to their own protection or safety and that of their families and innocent others.

Sure, there are a lot of complete idiots out there who should never be so much as allowed within 10 miles of any firearm, but they are a minority for sure. MOST gun owners are good people, responsible people and sane people.

Re: Something horrible happened to me tonight...

Ugh...Who invited Charlton Heston's Ghost and the NRA Sock Puppets? Gag me with a spoon! The LaFevre Freaks who have the gall to not budge an inch on getting war machines such as assult rifles out of the free market and off our city streets are dispicable! The way the Second Amendment and its "constitutionality" has really been skewed and manipulated by the powerful gun lobbyists! Too many fall into the wrong hands and then we all are at risk.